May 3, 2020 - 4th Sunday of Easter

Welcome to the Virtual Parish weekly worship! We encourage you to participate with your family in the following Liturgy of the Word. You will find audio recordings of the readings and videos of Father Au reading the Gospel and providing his Homily.

If you follow us on Facebook, we encourage you to have a discussion regarding these readings and homily. Have a Blessed weekend and stay well.

Gospel

John 10:1-10

Homily

The Lord is my Shepherd, I am not alone.

The image of the Good Shepherd is so powerful because it appeals to our deepest need to know we are not alone and are watched over and cared for in the struggles and sufferings of life.

The Good Shepherd calls us away from the self defeating attempts to try to gain a sense of security in trying to control the people and circumstances of our lives, and to find that security in the only place it can be found. That is in our own hearts, when we surrender in trust to God's promise that we will never be left to face our perils alone.

For as the psalmist says: "Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I shall fear no evil, for Thou art with me."

Intercessions

For those infected with coronavirus, that they may receive prompt, effective and compassionate medical care.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For all medical professionals who are courageously treating those infected. May they be shielded, strengthened and guided as they administer healing treatments and care. Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For all who are suffering from the coronavirus, as well as for doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all those who are working to combat the disease.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For those most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly, the poor, the homeless and those disabled or weakened by other health conditions.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For those under quarantine, that they might be comforted by your presence and protected from disease, anxiety and fear.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For our public healthcare leaders and government agencies that they might be informed and well prepared as they deal with this pandemic. Grant them the resources and assistance they need to use their wisdom in the best interest of public health.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For medical researchers who are tracking the course of the coronavirus. May they uncover patterns that will help us understand how to remain healthy. Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For those searching for treatments, cures and vaccines. May you guide them, reveal new ideas and accelerate their discoveries to fight this disease. Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For the communities, areas and countries hardest hit by coronavirus. Restore their sense of wellbeing and community. Sustain them, comfort them and give them hope. Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For all whose lives are disrupted by the coronavirus; for families who have been separated by quarantine or whose livelihoods have been jeopardized.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

For a quick end to the progression of COVID-19, that lives might be spared.Let us pray to the Lord ...Lord hear our prayer.

Closing Prayer

Let us now entrust our country and ourselves once again to the Virgin Mary’s care:

Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church,
you are the fairest fruit of God’s redeeming love;
you sing of the Father’s mercy
and accompany us with a mother’s love.
In this time of pandemic we come to you,
our sign of sure hope and comfort.

Today we renew the act of consecration and entrustment carried out by those who have gone before us.

With the love of a Mother and Handmaid,
embrace us as we renew our consecration to you,
together with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

In a special way we commend to you
those particularly in need of your maternal care.

Mary, Health of the Sick,
sign of health, of healing, and of divine hope for the sick,
we entrust to you all who are infected with the coronavirus.

Mary, Mother of Consolation,
who console with a mother’s love all who turn to you,
we entrust to you all those who have lost loved ones in the pandemic.

Mary, Help of Christians,
who come to our rescue in every trial,
we entrust to your loving protection all caregivers.

Mary, Queen and Mother of Mercy,
who embrace all those who call upon your help in their distress,
we entrust to you all who are suffering in any way from the pandemic.

Mary, Seat of Wisdom,
who were so wonderfully filled with the light of truth,
we entrust to you all who are working to find a cure to this pandemic.

Mary, Mother of Good Counsel,
who gave yourself wholeheartedly to God’s plan for the renewing of all things in Christ,
we entrust to you all leaders and policymakers.

Accept with the benevolence of a Mother
the act of consecration that we make today with confidence,
and help us to be your Son’s instruments
for the healing and salvation of our country and the world.

Mary, Mother of the Church,
you are enthroned as queen at your Son’s right hand:
we ask your intercession for the needs of our country,
that every desire for good may be blessed and strengthened,
that faith may be revived and nourished,
hope sustained and enlightened,
charity awakened and animated;
guide us, we pray, along the path of holiness.